Wearable device will replace dialysis machines

    A new fiber capable of removing toxins from blood could provide a wearable alternative to the large, expensive machines currently used for kidney dialysis.
    The fiber could be developed by electrospinning a blood-compatible primary matrix polymer made from polyethylene-co-vinyl alchohol (EVOH) with different forms of zeolites. A naturally occurring aluminosilicate, zeolites feature a microporous structure that will absorb toxins from the blood. The amount of toxins absorbed by the zeolites will be controlled by the material's silicon to aluminum ratio.
Wearable devices made from this fiber could soon offer patients around the world an alternative to dialysis treatment.